Distance: 30.8 miles (round-trip)
Approximate Travel Time: 5 - 7 hours
Elevation: + 2554 / - 2554 ft
Ride Level: Intermediate to Advanced
The the ride itself has been outlined into three parts which include; a short rolling section that snakes through Pontypool to Llanhilleth, then an easy, but gradual climb to Brynmawr, followed by a challenging climb from Brynmawr through Blaenavon to finally drop down to the Monmouth & Brecon Canal for a wonderful glide along at the end. The decriptions and photographs shown below follow each route/section in a clockwise direction starting and ending at the Pontypool/New Inn Train Station.
The map shown below indicates how the five NCN Routes can be connected to form an overall circular ride. Additionally, the ride is mostly all traffic-free However, at Blaenavon the route conitues along quiet streets and neighbourhoods through town and then there is a short section through a forest which is unpaved. The map can be enlarged for greater detail with key features for food, toilets, and control points highlighted. View Full Version
Table of Contents
Pontypool/New Inn to Llanhilleth - 8 rolling miles through Pontypool City Park and west out of town following NCN Route 466.
PART TWO | NCN Route(s) 465 & 46 - Ebbw Valley
Llanhilleth to Brynmawr - Join NCN Route 466 at Llanhilleth heading north for approximately 9 miles to NCN Route 46 just outside of Brynmawr.
PART THREE | NCN Route(s) 46, 492, & 49 - Blaenavon and the M&B Canal
Brynmawr to Pontypool/New Inn - Continue on NCN Route 46 to NCN Route 492, & cycle through Blaenavon, then down onto NCN Route 49 for return along canal to train station.
| 466 |  |
Old Crumlin Road |
| ROUTE COLOUR KEY: | Traffic-free | Shared Use | Quiet Road | Steep Hill |
PART TWO
| 465 | 46 | |
Ebbw Valley |
| ROUTE COLOUR KEY: | Traffic-free | Shared Use | Quiet Road | Steep Hill |
At the bottom of a steep hill you will turn left over the train tracks,then passing first through a quiet neighbourhood and along a quiet road throguh an industrial estate for approximately two miles to next village of Aberbeeg. The path then becomes traffic-free after passing directly under the main road and takes you into the woods along an abandoned train platform. This section follows the Ebbw Fach River approximately one mile up to Six Bells.
Six Bells & The Guardian
This grand monument is hidden through the trees as you cycle up the first mile or so. But as you get closer, the trees clear, the valley opens, and the sculpture quietly dominates the skyline. It is a powerful tribute to the lives sacrificed for the coal industry. I highly recommend walking up behind the sculpture to fully appreciate the view. Read the explanation panel with the eery poem by Welsh Poet Laureate; Gillian Clark to get the full impact.
There is a wonderful visitors centre with a small cafe and heritage room located across from the car park. The presentation of how this terrible tragedy affected the small community is bone-chilling. Read more at: Guardian of the Valleys. Sculpture created by Sebastien Boyesen.
Abertillery & Blaina
Following the path a short distance out of Six Bells you re-enter the road at Abertillery. (Show particular caution as the route passes through the car park of Tescos'.) You'll then follow a narrow road several blocks through a small neighbourhood and enter the traffic-free path again at Abertillery Park.
Here you'll be right down along the river in places... deep in the heart of the valley. The irony of closing the coal mines and steel works; leaving tens of thousands without any notion on how to provide for their families and devastating the Welsh economy... is that nature has quietly reclaimed the valleys with a breath-taking vengeance.
Nantyglo, Round Towers, & Brynmawr
Coming out of the woods you enter a dual-use cycle path through Blaina and Nantyglo. Honestly, this is the least scenic part of the ride as it follows along side the A467. But soon enough you'll be away and up to see the Round Towers at Nantyglo.
Leaving Nantyglo you'll travel several blocks through a housing estate on a quiet street to Parc Nant y Waun where you'll rejoin the traffic-free cycle path. This last section winds around several lovely lakes to merge with NCN Route 46. Here you'll head east through Brymawr and up around the big mountain directly in front of you.
You will pass through the centre of Brynmawr where there are plenty of places to take a break and have some lunch. You've come half way. There are two attractions of note; Wales oldest operating movie theatre is Market Hall Cinema just above the bus station, and if you enjoy a bit of urban art mixed with modern architecture, the Dunlop Symtex Factory is worth a gander.
PART THREE
| 46 | 492 | 49 | |
Blaenavon and the M&B Canal |
| ROUTE COLOUR KEY: | Traffic-free | Shared Use | Quiet Road | Steep Hill |
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